DTN News - SPECIAL REPORT: Two Men Arrested Over ‘al-Qaeda Inspired’ Plan To Attack A Via Rail Train In Toronto Area Says RCMP
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Tom Blackwell - National Post(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 23, 2013: The RCMP arrested two men Monday in connection with an “al-Qaeda-inspired” plan to attack a Via Rail train in the Toronto area, which they said could have led to innocent people being killed or injured.
An international investigation disrupted the scheme before there was an “imminent threat” to the public, said James Malizia, an RCMP assistant commissioner, told a news conference.
The two accused, Chiheb Esseghaier, from Montreal, and Raed Jaser, from Toronto, were charged with conspiring to carry out an attack and commit murder at the direction of or in association with a terrorist group.
The men are not Canadian citizens but police refused to say how they came to be in this country or where they are from originally.
The plot was to derail the train somewhere in the Toronto area, and the two accused had allegedly been watching trains and railways in preparation.
The plan received “direction and guidance” from an element of al-Qaeda based in Iran, said the force, refusing to elaborate. That connection with the Islamic terrorist organization made the plot particiularly significant, said Asst. Supt. Malizia.
However, officers said there was no evidence the plan was in any way “state-sponsored.”
The RCMP generally released few details of the intended attack, including of exactly how the alleged terrorists intended to carry out the derailment, or what triggered the investigation.
“Each and every terrorist arrest the RCMP makes sends a message and illustrates our strong resolve to root out terrorist threats and keep Canadians and our allies safe,” stated Assistant Commissioner James Malizia, responsible for Federal Policing Operations. “A meaningful response to these threats begins on Canadian streets and in Canadians homes and the RCMP works with all their partners, including communities across Canada, in the fight against terrorism.”
A silver propeller plane carrying an alleged suspect touched down at Buttonville Municipal Airport at 3:20 p.m. on Monday. Two uniformed RCMP officers emerged, followed by two other men carrying laptop bags. The apparent accused appeared accompanied by another officer. He was in handcuffs and shackles, blue jeans and sneakers, and wearing a windbreaker. He did not respond to a reporter’s shouted questions.
One of the men carrying laptops also declined to talk, walking past without saying a word.
The suspect was bundled into a black Chevy Suburban with tinted windows and whisked from the tarmac.
The arrests come at a time of heightened public concern over terrorism following the bombings in Boston as well as recent revelations over the involvement of radicalized Canadian youths in overseas terrorist groups.
Public Safety Minister Vic Toews said the investigation was an example of solid police work and co-operation among the RCMP, CSIS and other police.
“Our government will continue to be vigilant and take the steps necessary to protect Canadians and their families, and our allies who share our common values,” said Toews.
“Canadians can be assured that our government will stand firm in our commitment to protecting this country from terrorists and the fear they hope to generate.”
David Jacobson, the U.S. ambassador to Canada, issued a statement congratulating the RCMP.
Tim Fraser for National PostTwo men have been arrested: Chibeb Esseghaier of Montreal and Raed Jaser of Toronto.
“These arrests were the result of extensive cross-border cooperation, which is the hallmark of our relationship. Dedicated professionals on both sides of the border brought these arrests to fruition, and I thank them for their service and hard work.”
“This is an example of the United States and Canada working together to protect our citizens. It underscores the fact that we face serious and real threats, and that security is a shared responsibility. We all need to remain vigilant in confronting threats and keeping North America safe and secure.”
An online resume for a man by the name of Chiheb Esseghaier – with no confirmation he is the accused – suggests the man is a Tunisian born engineer, earned a degree in Industrial biology from the Institut National des Sciences Appliquées et de Technologie, also known as INSAT, run by the University of Quebec, in Tunisia in 2007.
Mr. Esseghaier then went on to pursue Masters studies in Industrial Biotechnology, earning that degree in 2008, according to what appears to be a blog-based biography.
Then he moved to Sherbrooke University to do a research project on something called “SPR biosensor and gallium arsenide semi-conductor bifunctionnalization,” before returning to the INRS to pursue a phD developing optical and electrochemical biosensors, according to the resume. His LinkedIn page said he is still a student, having started his phD studies in 2010.
With files from Joe O’Connor, Stewart Bell, Sarah Boesveld and The Canadian Press
*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Tom Blackwell - National Post
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News
*Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com
©COPYRIGHT (C) DTN NEWS DEFENSE-TECHNOLOGY NEWS
